Evelyn Ashford was was the 1984 Olympic champion in the 100 m. Arguably the greatest female sprinter ever, with a career that spanned an unprecedented five Olympic Games. She has ran under the 11 second barrier over 50 times and was the first to run under 11 seconds in an Olympic Games.

At the 1984 Summer Olympics, Ashford won the 100 m and set a new Olympic Record. At the 1988 Summer Olympics, she was the flag bearer for the United States team in the Opening Ceremony. In the 4 x 100 m, she  ran the final leg, winning her third Olympic gold medal. At her last Olympics, in 1992, Ashford won her third straight Olympic 4x100 m relay. She is one of only four women to have won four gold medals for track and field in Olympic history.

In 1997, Ashford was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame.